Should Mumps Be Higher Up on the Public Health Agenda in India? A Concern for Global Health Security.

Syed Kadri,Vijay Chattu,Kausar Rehana,Saleem-Ur Rehman,Ailbhe Brady

doi:10.3390/medsci6030062

Abstract

Mumps is a public health problem on a global scale caused by mumps virus, a member of family paramyxoviridae. An effective form of vaccination exists and is incorporated into routine immunization schedules in over 100 countries, usually in the form of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is not the case in India, as mumps is not viewed as a significant enough public health problem by the government to warrant such an intervention. This original research paper discusses about outbreaks of mumps in Kashmir, India and aims to add to the body of literature to support the routine immunization with the mumps vaccine. From July to September 2017, there were 15 outbreaks and 260 cases of mumps recorded in the region by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). We conclude that the Indian Government should include the MMR vaccination in the Universal Immunization Programme. This would result in clinical and economic benefits by reducing outbreaks and associated morbidity of mumps, in addition to tackling the recognized morbidity and mortality of rubella and measles. To support the global health security, there is a great need to strengthen surveillance, adhere to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHRs), and pay attention to emerging and re-emerging infectious agents, including paramyxovirus group.

Highlights

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of India does not include the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination
By presenting data collected from the Kashmir region of India, this paper aims to add to the body of literature supporting inclusion of the mumps vaccination in the UIP on the basis that it is a significant public health problem
Mumps is a viral infection caused by a paramyxovirus

Summary

Introduction

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of India does not include the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. By presenting data collected from the Kashmir region of India, this paper aims to add to the body of literature supporting inclusion of the mumps vaccination in the UIP on the basis that it is a significant public health problem. We posit that it would be worthwhile ensuring routine MMR vaccination, thereby ensuring robust immunization against measles and rubella, and tackling associated morbidity, mortality, and economic sequelae. The virus spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions, saliva, or through fomites.

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